Moroccan Medical Student Combats Health Misinformation Through Social Media

In the battle against health misinformation, a young Moroccan medical student is leveraging social media to provide evidence-based health education to audiences across North Africa and beyond.

Health misinformation has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the digital era. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, unverified medical advice spreads rapidly—often reaching millions before experts can correct false claims.

This phenomenon poses particular risks for young audiences in regions where access to reliable medical information is limited, potentially leading to dangerous health decisions. In response to this growing crisis, one Moroccan medical student studying in Romania has transformed his social media presence into a platform for science-based health education.

Known online as “Doc.karami,” this student represents a new generation of medical communicators focused on making scientific information understandable, accessible, and responsible. Currently pursuing his medical degree at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, he belongs to Gen Z—a generation that grew up alongside social media and understands both its potential and pitfalls.

Transparency is central to his approach. Rather than misrepresenting himself as a fully qualified doctor, Doc.karami is clear about his status as a medical student. His content deliberately avoids offering diagnoses or personalized medical advice, focusing instead on improving medical literacy, promoting prevention strategies, and debunking widespread health myths.

“During my training, I noticed a growing gap between scientific knowledge and what the public consumes on social media,” he explains. “Viral videos promoting miracle cures, dangerous diets, or misleading health trends often gain more traction than factual medical explanations.”

This observation prompted him to launch educational content covering health misconceptions, basic medical concepts explained in accessible language, healthy lifestyle education, mental health awareness, and addiction information. His approach is deliberately measured and educational, avoiding fear-mongering and sensationalism that often characterize health content online.

The strategy reflects a practical understanding of modern information consumption habits. Social media has become a primary information source for young people globally, and ignoring these platforms only allows misinformation to dominate public discourse. Doc.karami believes medical professionals and students have a responsibility to engage with audiences where they naturally gather rather than expecting them to seek out academic journals independently.

By translating complex medical knowledge into accessible language, his content helps viewers develop critical thinking skills to identify unreliable health claims, understand fundamental health principles, and recognize when professional medical care is necessary.

Ethical communication remains a cornerstone of Doc.karami’s work. He consistently reminds his audience that online content cannot substitute for formal medical consultation and encourages seeking healthcare professionals when needed. Rather than attacking individuals spreading misinformation, he focuses on explanation and context—a strategy that has helped build trust with his growing audience.

The impact has been significant. Across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Doc.karami has cultivated a following exceeding 100,000, primarily among young Moroccans both at home and in the diaspora. His most widely shared content addresses smoking hazards, nutrition myths, and common medical misconceptions, reflecting the demand for reliable health education presented in culturally relevant ways.

The significance of this work is particularly pronounced in Morocco, where health misinformation can have outsized consequences due to linguistic barriers, deeply held social beliefs, and uneven access to healthcare services. For many Moroccans, social media often serves as both the first and sometimes only source of health information.

Having a Moroccan medical student actively engaged in public health education helps bridge critical knowledge gaps, offering credible explanations while remaining culturally sensitive and responsible.

While continuing his medical studies, Doc.karami plans to expand his role in health communication through collaborations with established professionals in the field. His long-term vision extends beyond social media presence to contributing to a fundamentally healthier public understanding of medicine—one where information is accurate, accessible, and free from sensationalism.

In a digital landscape often dominated by questionable health claims, this student’s work represents an emerging model for how medical professionals can reclaim online spaces for evidence-based education.